Health notes: Sibling workshop focuses on diabetes

“What Other Kids Without Disabilities are Thinking” is the subject of a sibling workshop tonight at DeVos Children’s Hospital. Dr. Brian Skotko, a clinical fellow in genetics at Children’s Hospital Boston. Skotko is co-author of “Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters” with Sue Levine.

His presentation will be at 7 p.m. and book-signing at 8:30 p.m. in the hospital’s East Auditorium, 100 Michigan Ave. NE. To RSVP, contact the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan at info@dsawm.org.

Hear ‘High Desert’ author

Author Kim Douglas will read excerpts from her autobiographical book, “High Desert: A Journey of Survival and Hope” at 7 tonight at Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven, in observance of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Center for Women in Transition sponsors Douglas’ talk, and is making enamel purple ribbons available at the center for $1. Details: aplaceforwomen.org.

Web chat on osteoporosis

Spectrum Health’s live Web chat at noon Thursday will center on the symptoms of osteoporosis. Dr. Jeffry Knibbe, director of Spectrum Health’s osteoporosis clinical care team, will discuss how osteoporosis often is ignored or misdiagnosed as back pain, what the signs of this brittle bone disease include, how to tell if you have osteoporosis and how to prevent it. Visit spectrum-health.org/onlinechat to join the conversation.

Flu and pneumonia shots; appointments unnecessary. Flu shots: $24.99; pneumonia shots: $50, cash, check, money order or Medicare Part B if participant does not have a supplemental insurance provider. Call 494-5575, or visit miottawa.org/flu for more information.